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BMA launches crackdown on GPs being forced into unnecessary training

GPs have been given a tool that allows them to turn down requests for mandatory training from commissioners, following an increase in orders from NHS managers.

The BMA’s GP Committee has launched the project to empower GPs to ‘say no’ to the requests for so-called mandatory training in areas such as the Mental Capacity Act, fire safety and manual handling.

It says that ‘what is described as mandatory or statutory training may not actually be the case’.

GP leaders said that practices in England especially are ‘constantly under pressure’ from commissioners to undertake unnecessary training and there has been an increase in the number of reports of such requests.

The new guide covers the demands from the CQC and the GMC, and explains that there is no mandatory list of training for practice staff, despite claims from CCGs that some training is mandatory.

Instead, CQC inspectors look at whether staff have the right qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience to do their jobs, while the GMC leaves it up to doctors to keep their skills up to date, the BMA says.

Areas where GPs do not need training include first aid and basic life support, while there are no defined levels of training in areas such as fire safety and manual handling.

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In the area of safeguarding, the BMA guidance said that the Health and Social Care Act does not set out the exact level, content or frequency of training required in safeguarding children. However, it warns that the Intercollegiate Guideline suggests the minimum training requirements and refresher training times.

Dr Krishna Kasaraneni, the GPC’s workforce lead, told Pulse: ‘GP practices in England are constantly under pressure from commissioners or practice inspectors, to undertake so-called “mandatory training” that it can be hard to know what’s what. In some instances, what is described as mandatory or statutory training may not actually be the case at all.

‘We have developed this resource to provide clarity on the many different and conflicting demands on practices, and help GP practices and LMCs to take control and make informed decisions that are best for the practice and the practice staff.’

He added: ‘We constantly get GPs contacting the LMCs and LMCs contacting the GPC for clarity on these “mandatory training” requirements.’

Practices and LMCs are also encouraged to contact the BMA’s team directly via the website for advice on topics that are not already covered.

 

What do I need mandatory training in?

  • First aid – no requirement for training
  • Basic life support – no requirement for training
  • Infection control – no defined level of training required
  • Safeguarding vulnerable adults – no defined level of training required
  • Fire safety – no defined level of training required
  • Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty safeguards – no defined level of training required
  • Manual handling – no defined level of training required
  • Safeguarding vulnerable children – there is a statutory requirement for a level of skills and knowledge, but there is are no statutory requirements on exact level, content or frequency of training